Imaginative involvement: Some characteristics of the highly hypnotizable and the non-hypnotizable

Abstract

Abstract Interview material with high and low hypnotic Ss adds to the evidence previously reported that imaginative involvements (such as the savoring of sensory experiences, drama, reading, childhood fantasy, adult fantasy, physical space traveling, mental space traveling, religion, creativity) play a central role as background factors for hypnotic susceptibility. The 42 high Ss had far more imaginative involvement than the 15 low Ss. A relationship between higher hypnotic susceptibility and childhood punishment appears to be mediated via fantasy development. The results are discussed in terms of Sarbins role theory, Gill and Brenmans theory of regression in the service of the ego, and E. R. Hilgards neo-dissociation theory.